The sun shone, the sun tan oil was applied and the Twickenham U10s got into the spirit of things by playing for the most part as if they were already on the beach (see here for the card). Decent batting from Jonty Thornton and the Hough twins couldn't prevent an impressive Richmond unit from running out 47 run winners.

Up and down batting from the Ts
For not the first time this season, the key difference between two sides in U10 cricket was wickets lost/taken. Richmond scored two more runs, but the Twickenham batters were out nine (!) more times. Therein lies the main difference between the sides.

Poppy Watts (4-5 off 2 including a hat-trick) was the main destroyer-in-chief, although in truth she excelled simply by doing the basics; bowl straight. Respect due, it was too much for most Twickenham batters to deal with.

That having said, Jonty Thornton started impressively for the Ts. He hit a season-high 14 (no dismissals); a couple of fours, plenty of neatly run singles (ably supported by Jack Baran) and an ability to keep the straight ones out. Indeed, Thornton was the only Twickenham batter who avoided being out.

Other Ts' batters did periodically sparkle. Jaden Mate hit a big six over square leg, Vince Hough tried to declare war, hitting five boundaries from the first eight balls he faced and Stan Hough hit a couple of straight drives with quite some panache. The Ts subsequently ended on 299.

Richmond's batters excel
Richmond started positively, and soon got ahead of the rate. The visiting batters ran well with nothing too kamikaze on show. Crucially, they kept out the straight ones and made hay from the wider deliveres.

Stan Hough was the only Twickenham bowler to pick up a wicket, bowling number three Lily Schofield. Kabir Changhok (23), Tia Malhi (21) and skipper Henrietta Cawthorne (21) nonetheless all batted impressively as Richmond cruised merrily along. Jonty Thornton (0-8 off 2) was the most parsimonious of the Ts' bowlers.

A lovely sunny Sunday morning on the Green is always something to be enjoyed. And this was no exception. Role on Tuesday night and the Ts' next encounter; a visit to Bushy Park to play Teddington.